A Central Bureau of Investigation spokesman said it was conducting searches at AirAsia's offices in Delhi and Mumbai, without elaborating. The exact nature of the case or the alleged violations were also not immediately clear.

AirAsia, AirAsia India and Fernandes did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment.

Fernandes is also under investigation in Malaysia in a dispute with the country's regulator, the Malaysian Aviation Committee, over the cancellation of 120 flights during the general election period earlier in May.